Strasbourg—Historical Architecture Destination
Welcome to Issue XIV of Historical Architecture Destinations! Today we're diving into the story of Strasbourg as told through three of its historical buildings.
Origins: Celts to Romans
Located on the Rhine river, this city has been a crossroads for millennia.
Originally occupied by the Celtic tribe Argentorate, it became a Roman military outpost called Argentoratum in the first century BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, it came under the control of the Franks who called it Stratisburgum meaning ‘The Town of Roads’.
The Oath of Strasbourg
In 842, half-brothers Charles II (later Holy Roman Emperor and King of France) and Louis II (later King of the East Franks) came together in opposition of their third brother Lothar and signed an oath of allegiance to one another against their third brother.Why is this significant? Even though latin was the standard in written language this oath was written in both Proto-French and Old High German to communicate to the respective armies of Charles II and Louis II.
This is the earliest record of the Romance language that would become French (Proto-French) and one of the earliest records of Old High German in written form.
Strasbourg became an important trade route and in the Middle Ages the city flourished. It was during this time of prosperity that brings us to our first building.
1. Strasbourg Cathedral
A beacon of not only Strasbourg but all of the Alsace region, it’s widely considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
In the early Middle Ages the first cathedral was built over a Roman Temple. A later crypt was added during the time of Charlemagne in the late 8th century. In 1002 this old cathedral was damaged by war and in its place a new cathedral was built in 1015. Unfortunately this second cathedral suffered from fires and needed to be reconstructed once again.
In the late 12th century a third cathedral was planned taking inspiration from the recently completed cathedral, Basel Minster in Basel, Switzerland.
During construction of the new cathedral parts of Strasbourg Cathedral’s earlier Romanesque church were kept including the crypt and some sections of the original stained glass. It wasn’t until 1225 that a new master builder replaced portions of the Romanesque building with the new Gothic pointed rib vault. Following the popularity and spread of Gothic architecture the builders took inspiration from the birthplace of Gothic architecture itself, the Basilica of Saint Denis.
What is Gothic architecture?
Characterized by pointed (gothic) arches, flying buttresses, greater verticality and rib vaulting. It was popular from the 12th-16th centuries.
In 1135 just north of Paris these characteristics were first unified in the Basilica of Saint Denis.
The construction of Strasbourg Cathedral took over 250 years to complete with its iconic spire added in the 15th century.
Between the 17th-19th centuries the north tower was the tallest building in the world with the spire rising to a height of 465ft (142m). From the observation tower one can see across the plains of Alsace as far as 18 miles (30km) in distance. And the distinct reddish-brown color of the facade comes from the sandstone used from the Vosges mountains.
Inside the cathedral are stained glass windows from the 12th century with one section showing the nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
The city became one of the Free Imperial Cities under the Holy Roman Empire in 1262 and in the 16th century became a hotbed of Protestantism after the Protestant Reformation. Strasbourg Cathedral was even designated a Protestant church.
That is until the city was annexed by France in 1681 under the armies of Catholic King Louis XIV. Soon after the annexation Strasbourg Cathedral celebrated catholic mass and reverted to a catholic church.
But it’s during the time when Strasbourg was a Free Imperial City under the Holy Roman Empire that brings us to our next building.
2. Maison des Tanneurs
In the south-western part of Strasbourg the Grande Île (Large Island) makes up a picturesque and historical district called Petite France.
In the 16th century this neighborhood was known for its tanning trade and was separated from the rest of Strasbourg by a series of canals. The tanners (while skilled) were known for the unpleasant smells that came from their trade. The Maison des Tanneurs built in 1572 is a prime example of an Alsatian half-timbered house and a tanners’ house with its open air attic for drying.
Over the centuries this trade fell into decline and the entire district of Petite France fell into disrepair.
The half-timbered houses were repaired in the 20th century and many of the interiors were renovated reviving the district of Petite France. In 1949 the Maison des Tanneurs was transformed into a restaurant by a group of Alsatian winegrowers. Today it’s a charming and picturesque neighborhood showing both its French and German influences.
Our next building was built after the annexation by France and during the time when Strasbourg was under the rule of the catholic French monarchs.
3. Palais Rohan
Next to Strasbourg Cathedral this Baroque palace was built in the 1730s on the site of the former bishop’s residence.
The palace was built for the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan, a noble family originally from the Brittany region of France. During excavations just outside the palace remains from the Roman camp Argentoratum were found. Completed in only 10 years under the guidance of principal architect to the King of France Robert de Cotte. It’s a cohesive example of Baroque architecture modeled after one of the great Parisian mansions.
Inside the apartments are eight tapestries dating from the 17th century that show ‘The History of Constantine’.
The House of Rohan maintained control of the palace until the French Revolution when it was transferred to the state. The interior of the palace was revived when it came under the possession of Napoleon.
Much like the city of Strasbourg itself the palace changed hands numerous times. It’s now home to several museums including the Fine Arts Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Decorative Arts Museum.
19th century and beyond
After the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 Strasbourg came under German rule again until 1918 when it reverted to French control. During WWII Germany annexed the city and remained in control of Strasbourg until the end of the war when the city once again reverted to French control.
“Strasbourg has been known throughout history as a city at the crossroads. Over thousands of years, [Strasbourg] straddled many kingdoms and many cultures. Two rivers are joined here. Two religions have flourished in your churches. Three languages comprise an ancient oath that bears the city's name.”
-President Obama in 2009
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